Interested in trying cannabidiol (CBD) oil to manage eye problems? Read about the wellness benefits of CBD to help you choose the best CBD oil to meet your individual needs. 

How CBD Eye Drops May Help

CBD (cannabidiol) may have therapeutic benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties(1).

Uveitis is an eye inflammation in the middle layer of tissue within the eyewall called the uvea(2) due to inflammatory diseases.

Uveitis symptoms are eye redness, pain, and blurred vision. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties may help this eye condition(3).

On the other hand, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), CBD may worsen eye conditions like glaucoma(4).

Glaucoma damages the optic nerve due to an unusual pressure in the eye(5). The optic nerve is responsible for the sense of vision.

CBD may cause intraocular pressure in individuals with glaucoma(6).

One study noted CBD in the subject’s eyes caused a significant increase in eye pressure(7). Increased eye pressure may cause glaucoma to develop(8).

Due to the contrasting results about the effects of CBD on eye health, caution should be taken by individuals when using CBD products like CBD eye drops.

Benefits of Using CBD Eye Drops for Eye Problems

An animal study suggested that cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) may reduce inflammation and offer pain relief to eye surface injuries in the cornea of mice(9). The cornea is the transparent skin covering the front of the eye.

Surgery, infections, and neurological diseases may damage the nerve endings in the cornea, causing corneal neuropathic pain (CNP).

CNP may cause dry eyes, inflammation, and extreme pain in the eyes(10). CBD’s anti-inflammation and analgesic properties may reduce symptoms of CNP.

While the studies were conducted on animals, the results may be useful in further human studies.

However, some ophthalmologists believe CBD may worsen glaucoma(11), saying CBD may significantly increase eye pressure(12), which can further develop glaucoma(13).

Caution should be exercised when considering using CBD for your eyes due to contrasting research14).

How Long CBD Eye Drops Take to Help with Eye Problems

There is no specific research on how long CBD eye drops take to help with eye problems. Formulation, administration, and dosage may influence onset time in other methods.

CBD tinctures, administered using a dropper, may take effect within 15 to 30 minutes(15). Meanwhile, inhaling CBD using vape pens usually takes effect in 2 to 15 minutes(16).

However, vaping may pose a potential health risk because of its association with lung diseases(17). Thus, individuals should exercise caution when smoking or vaping CBD.

How Long CBD Eye Drops Help With Eye Problems

There is no specific study indicating how long may CBD eye drops help.

However, the duration of the effects of CBD’s other forms of administration, in general, are the following:

  • Tinctures: 2 to 4 hours(18).

  • CBD topicals: 2 to 4 hours(19).

  • CBD vapes: 2 to 4 hours(20).

  • Edibles: 6 to 8 hours(21).

Note that vaping may cause pulmonary health risks(22). In addition to its harmful effects on the lungs, vaping may also cause allergic reactions from the chemicals in the vape(23).

How to Choose the Right CBD Eye Drops

CBD oil (also referred to as hemp CBD oil) from the cannabis plant may be classified as full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolates.

Full-spectrum CBD oil typically has all the compounds found in the hemp plant, including other cannabinoids like THC, terpenes (aromatic compounds), and flavonoids which contain antioxidant properties.

Broad-spectrum CBD oil typically contains all the cannabinoids in a full-spectrum CBD product, apart from THC.

Meanwhile, CBD isolates are pure forms of CBD with no other compounds added.

Credible CBD brands aim to provide high-quality CBD with no pesticides or contaminants.

How to Take CBD Eye Drops

There are no current studies that recommend how to take CBD eye drops for eye issues, as study results vary.

However, individuals may take CBD in other variety of ways, including:

  • CBD tinctures: You can take CBD sublingually for faster efficacy. Tinctures are a combination of CBD extracts and carrier oils like hemp oil(24), specifically hempseed oil.

  • Vaping: The effects of CBD may be quickly observed when taken through a vape pen. However, CBD treatment using vapes may cause lung problems(25).

  • Topicals: CBD balms and creams are usually mixed with mineral oils for localized relief(26). However, topicals may not be as helpful as you cannot directly apply them to the eyes.

Other Ingredients Used in CBD Eye Drops

Various ingredients may be added to CBD extracts for eye drops.

Chamomile hydrosol or water infused with chamomile may keep eyes hydrated.

A study has suggested that chamomile may be used for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic benefits(27). Washing eyes with chamomile tea is a folk remedy for conjunctivitis (pink eye)(28).

Additionally, the inclusion of N-acetylcarnosine (NAC) may also be beneficial.

A study hypothesized that NAC may prevent age-related cataracts in human and canine eyes(29).

Risks and Side Effects of Using CBD Eye Drops

A 2006 study hypothesized that CBD may increase interocular pressure (IOP)(30). Increased eye pressure levels may eventually lead to glaucoma(31).

Other possible CBD side effects include fatigue, drowsiness, appetite loss, diarrhea, and dry mouth(32).

For your safety and dosing guidance, consult your doctor before using CBD for any eye condition.

Are CBD Eye Drops Safe?

There is no study specific to the safety and effectiveness of putting CBD eye drops in the eyes.

While the World Health Organization (WHO) maintains that CBD is safe and non-addictive(33), there is no conclusive evidence whether CBD eye drops are safe.

Still, CBD in all other forms shows an overall good safety profile with only mild side effects such as sleepiness, dizziness, and nausea(34).

In terms of benefits to eye health, a 2018 animal study noted that topically applied CBD reduced corneal pain and inflammation in mice(35).

On the other hand, some medical professionals stated that CBD may not effectively treat eye issues. CBD may need to be taken in high doses to see any benefits to the eyes(36).

Due to the contrasting findings on CBD’s effects on eye health(37), individuals should carefully reconsider dropping CBD directly onto their eyes.

Consult with your ophthalmologist before using CBD for any eye condition.

Legality of CBD

CBD products are legal in the federal United States due to the 2018 Farm Bill(38). However, CBD products that contain over 0.3% TCH are still illegal.

Review your state’s laws and CBD product labels to determine the legality of hemp CBD oil and medical marijuana in your state.

FAQs

  1. What evidence or research exists to say that CBD eye drops help?

CBD may have anti-inflammatory properties(39).

Uveitis, an eye inflammation, may cause redness, pain, and blurred vision(40). CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects may help this eye condition(41).

  1. Is there any evidence that CBD eye drops are not good?

Individuals with glaucoma may experience increased eye pressure when using CBD(42). This increased eye pressure may cause glaucoma to develop further(43).

Due to the conflicting findings on CBD for eye health, individuals should consult their ophthalmologist before using CBD oil.

  1. Will CBD interact with any current medication I may be taking for my eyes?

Taking CBD with other medications may increase unwanted side effects.

Prescription medications such as opioids and antihistamines may cause drowsiness, accidental falls, and accidents when driving(44).

  1. Are there other treatments I should consider alongside CBD eye drops?

For mild dry eye symptoms, using over-the-counter eyedrops for eye care is enough(45).

However, when underlying health issues cause eye irritation, doctors may prescribe medication the following to address the problem(46):

  • Anti-inflammatory tablets and eyedrops for cornea

  • Tear-stimulating pills or eye drops

  1. Can I fail a drug test if I use CBD eye drops?

CBD is legal in the United States if it contains less than 0.3% THC(47). However, full-spectrum CBD products contain THC. The accumulation of THC in the bloodstream results in a positive drug test(48).

  1. What is the dosage for eye drops?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regard CBD as an eye treatment, so there is no standard CBD dosage for eye drops.

Ask your ophthalmologist for a recommendation on the correct dosage of CBD.

  1. What are the benefits of using CBD for the eyes?

  CBD has been suggested to have anti-inflammatory properties(49). A study indicated that CBD may reduce inflammation and neuropathic pain in the cornea of mice(50).

  1. Are CBD eye drop products safe for everyone?

   CBD may increase intraocular pressure in individuals with glaucoma(51). One study showed that the administration of CBD in the eyes caused an increase in eye pressure(52).

It is essential to consult with your ophthalmologist before using CBD eye drops.

  1. Do CBD eye drops cause side effects?

There is no specific study on the side effects of CBD eye drops. However, a study indicated that CBD may increase eye pressure(53), eventually leading to glaucoma(54).

Consult your ophthalmologist first before using CBD for any eye condition.

  1. How do you use CBD eye drops?

There is no official study on using or administering CBD eye drops.

People should be cautious when using CBD eye drops due to insufficient research(55).

  1. Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023045/
  2. Uveitis
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uveitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20378734#:~:text=Uveitis%20is%20a%20form%20of,redness%2C%20pain%20and%20blurred%20vision.
  3. Anti–Inflammatory Effects of Cannabinoids in Endotoxin–Induced Uveitis
    https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2400708
  4. CBD Oil May Worsen Glaucoma
    https://www.aao.org/eye-health/news/cbd-oil-may-worsen-glaucoma
  5. Glaucoma
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glaucoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20372839#:~:text=Glaucoma%20is%20a%20group%20of,over%20the%20age%20of%2060.
  6. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol Differentially Regulate Intraocular Pressure
    https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2718702
  7. Effect of sublingual application of cannabinoids on intraocular pressure: a pilot study
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16988594/
  8. High Eye Pressure and Glaucoma
    https://www.glaucoma.org/gleams/high-eye-pressure-and-glaucoma.php
  9. The Cannabinoids Δ8THC, CBD, and HU-308 Act via Distinct Receptors to Reduce Corneal Pain and Inflammation
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5812319/
  10. What Is Neuropathic Corneal Pain?
    https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-neuropathic-corneal-pain-2
  11. CBD Oil May Worsen Glaucoma
    https://www.aao.org/eye-health/news/cbd-oil-may-worsen-glaucoma
  12. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol Differentially Regulate Intraocular Pressure
    https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2718702
  13. High Eye Pressure and Glaucoma
    https://www.glaucoma.org/gleams/high-eye-pressure-and-glaucoma.php
  14. CBD Oil May Worsen Glaucoma
    https://www.aao.org/eye-health/news/cbd-oil-may-worsen-glaucoma
  15. Healing with CBD. page. 192.
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  16. ibid. page 190
  17. Can vaping damage your lungs? What we do (and don’t) know
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-vaping-damage-your-lungs-what-we-do-and-dont-know-2019090417734
  18. Healing with CBD. page. 192.
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  19. ibid. page. 193.
  20. ibid. page. 190
  21. ibid. page. 191.
  22. Vaping: An Emerging Health Hazard
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7186084/
  23. Can vaping damage your lungs? What we do (and don’t) know
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-vaping-damage-your-lungs-what-we-do-and-dont-know-2019090417734
  24. Healing with CBD page 205
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  25. CBD treatment through vaping may also cause lung problems
    https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html
  26. Healing with CBD page 210
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  27. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.): An overview
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3210003/
  28. Allergic conjunctivitis to chamomile tea
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2382873/#:~:text=Eye%20washing%20with%20chamomile%20tea,reported%20following%20its%20topical%20applications
  29. Lipid peroxidation and cataracts: N-acetylcarnosine as a therapeutic tool to manage age-related cataracts in human and in canine eyes
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15139774/
  30. Effect of sublingual application of cannabinoids on intraocular pressure: a pilot study
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16988594/
  31. What Is Glaucoma
    https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-glaucoma
  32. What are the benefits of CBD — and is it safe to use?
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700
  33. Cannabidiol (CBD), page 5.
    https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/CannabidiolCriticalReview.pdf
  34. What are the benefits of CBD — and is it safe to use?
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700
  35. The Cannabinoids Δ8THC, CBD, and HU-308 Act via Distinct Receptors to Reduce Corneal Pain and Inflammation
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5812319/
  36. Patients interested in whether CBD has a role in eye health
    https://www.eyeworld.org/2019/patients-interested-in-whether-cbd-has-a-role-in-eye-health/
  37. CBD Oil May Worsen Glaucoma
    https://www.aao.org/eye-health/news/cbd-oil-may-worsen-glaucoma
  38. CBD & THC: Myths and misconceptions
    https://www.projectcbd.org/cbd-101/cbd-misconceptions
  39. Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023045/
  40. Uveitis
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uveitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20378734#:~:text=Uveitis%20is%20a%20form%20of,redness%2C%20pain%20and%20blurred%20vision.
  41. Anti–Inflammatory Effects of Cannabinoids in Endotoxin–Induced Uveitis
    https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2400708
  42. Effect of sublingual application of cannabinoids on intraocular pressure: a pilot study
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16988594/
  43. High Eye Pressure and Glaucoma
    https://www.glaucoma.org/gleams/high-eye-pressure-and-glaucoma.php
  44. ibid.
  45. Dry eyes
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-eyes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371869
  46. Ibid.
  47. Hemp Production and the 2018 Farm Bill
    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/congressional-testimony/hemp-production-and-2018-farm-bill-07252019
  48. Can You Take CBD and Pass a Drug Test?
    https://www.consumerreports.org/cbd/can-you-take-cbd-and-pass-a-drug-test/
  49. Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cannabidiol
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7023045/
  50. The Cannabinoids Δ8THC, CBD, and HU-308 Act via Distinct Receptors to Reduce Corneal Pain and Inflammation
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5812319/
  51. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol Differentially Regulate Intraocular Pressure
    https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2718702
  52. Effect of sublingual application of cannabinoids on intraocular pressure: a pilot study
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16988594/
  53. Effect of sublingual application of cannabinoids on intraocular pressure: a pilot study
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16988594/
  54. What Is Glaucoma
    https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-glaucoma
  55. CBD Oil May Worsen Glaucoma
    https://www.aao.org/eye-health/news/cbd-oil-may-worsen-glaucoma
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Written by 

Stanley Clark

Stanley Clark is a community development volunteer and writer. He had worked on several commercials, events, and campaigns before writing full-time in the area of natural health and wellness. He has a particular interest in reviewing CBD brands for their...

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